Carving

Once we had designed and made a full-size prototype, we started carving real stone slabs. The pupils had never performed such an activity so we had to teach them how to do it.

Mr Tony Mazziotti, a sundial maker by trade, gave us some help. He was kind enough to come to our school to tell us about his trade, communicate his passion for his job, teach us his skills and lead a workshop. We are deeply grateful to him for helping us.

The pupils got the opportunity to gradually learn how to do the right gestures to carve stone with a chisel and a hammer, whilst respecting health and safety regulations, such as wearing goggles. After quite a number of carving workshops, they got used to carving stone and became more and more precise with the tools. Concentration, patience and pleasure enabled them to successfully perform the task.

Then, one day, the task was eventually completed.

Painting and varnishing the slabs.

We used a special paint for which we had to wear special protection gear. We had to wear masks and the windows had to remain open.